Local Community Helps to Develop Hospitality Program

Monday, 25 April 2011 00:00
News Editor

Central Andros High School is rapidly leading the way in hospitality training for students on the island. In September 2010, the school introduced the three-year START/Lodging Management Programme (LMP) offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Association which prepares students for positions in areas such as the front desk, bell services, reservations, housekeeping and food and beverage. On completion of the programme, participating students will earn the distinction of being Certified Rooms Division Specialist.

The tourism and business community on Andros are pleased with the initiative and have demonstrated their support by donating the START course materials to the schools for the students. Mr. Nicholas Chad Hinsey, representative from Small Hope Bay Lodge made the presentations to Mr. Gailey Williams, program’s director/instructor and culinary arts teacher at Central Andros High School. Other partners in this venture include: Kamalame Cay Resort, Andros Bonefishing Lodge, Stafford Creek Lodge, Snackitt Wholesale Treats, Big Charlie’s and Fatiha’s Fishing Lodge, and Digital Sounds Electronics.

Mr. Hinsey in making the donation noted that they felt the need to assist because the effort represents a ‘win-win’ situation for the Andros tourism economy.

“The better the hospitality training our students receive, the better pool of employees we have to chose from to work in the industry; this also means improved customer service standards, “ Mr. Hinsey further stated.

On accepting the books, Mr. Williams stated that they will be useful in preparing the students for their first year certification exams in June 2011. The programme has also been endorsed by the Bahamas Hotel Association.

Photo Caption:Central Andros High School students proudly display donated instructional materials which they are using as part of the START Program, a globally applauded certification program for high school students wishing to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. Joining the students in the presentation photo are: Prescott Smith, Stafford Creek Lodge; Dovis Bain, Andros Bay Lodge; Jennifer Cornell, Andros Island Bonefishing Lodge; Nicholas Chad Hinsey, Small Hope Bay Lodge, Harcourt Davis, District Superintendent, Ministry of Education; Father Ethan Ferguson, Central Andros Anglican Priest; and Andre Nairn, Principal, Central Andros High School.